Machine for the production of groups of roll products

ABSTRACT

A machine for the production of groups of roll products includes a second unit ( 5 ) for turning and grouping a plurality of product groups ( 4 ) and comprising: an endless drive system ( 6 ) mounting a plurality of paddles ( 7 ) protruding radially from the path line (P 6 ) of the drive system ( 6 ); each paddle ( 7 ) forming, with the next one, a space (S) for receiving a product group ( 4 ) and turning it through at least a right angle (a); the second unit ( 5 ) comprises a set number of paddles ( 7 ); a division of the paddles ( 7 ) into two distinct groups ( 7   a   , 7   b ) connected respectively to a first drive system ( 6   a ) and a second drive system ( 6   b ) in such a way that the paddles ( 7 ) are positioned alternately; means ( 8 ) for adjusting one of the groups ( 7   a ) of paddles ( 7 ) relative to the other group ( 7   b ), in such a way as to define two different operating positions between the two groups ( 7   a   , 7   b ) of paddles ( 7 ), namely, a first position in which the paddles ( 7 ) of the two groups ( 7   a   , 7   b ) are equally spaced to form a working containment space (S 1 ) and a second position in which the paddles ( 7 ) of the two groups ( 7   a   , 7   b ) are positioned close together in pairs to form a second working containment space (S 2 ) that is larger than the first containment space (S 1 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a machine for the production of groups of rollproducts, in particular, but without limiting the scope of theinvention, rolls of toilet paper or kitchen paper.

It is very well known that machines of this kind for producing groups ofroll products consist of a plurality stations, located in line along themachine itself, where the products are manipulated and divided up toform first the groups of products and then the final packages.

In practice, the stations basically comprise:

-   -   a unit for feeding the roll products;    -   a unit for dividing the roll products into groups;    -   a unit for wrapping and sealing the groups of products.

In addition to these, the production line may comprise a series ofstations for conveying and positioning a plurality of these groups (alsoreferred to as batch—which may include one or more wrapped groups ofproducts) for the end of line stations where the batches can be baggedand palletized, ready for storage or transportation.

More specifically, the structures that prepare the products for the endof line stations normally comprise the following, in current machines: asystem for conveying and, if necessary, diverting the products (withbelts and related comb pushers); downstream of this system, there is aproduct straightening unit that turns each group of products by 90° andto form batches of product groups that are advanced by other combpushers towards an end bagging machine (usually in a directionperpendicular to the direction in which the batches are fed to thestraightening unit) or towards units for picking up and palletizing thegroups of products.

This specification is concerned in particular with the straighteningunit, which may comprise the following (see FIGS. 1 and 2 illustratingtwo such units as known in prior art: a pair of parallel endless chainsC trained around pairs of power-driven toothed wheels R; the chains Care associated with a plurality of paddles P, protruding radially fromthe chains C, for picking up, straightening through 90° (from a “lyingdown” to an upright position) and moving the incoming groups of productsG from the conveyor system. Each paddle P is substantially L-shaped tobe able to stably accommodate one side L1 and the base L2 of theincoming group G and to turn the latter by ninety degrees.

The side of the paddle P that accommodates the base L2 is linked to apair of guides S associated with the pair of chains C.

As clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the number and size of the paddles Pmounted on the chains C varies in accordance with the size andconfiguration of the product groups G made by the machine.

At present, roll products come in several different diameter sizes andat least two different pack styles (single or double layer) which meansthat many sets of paddles P of different widths are required to handleall pack configurations (for current pack configurations, five differentsets are used, distinguished by the different colors of the guides).

To this must be added the fact that the pack configurations vary inheight according to the pack style, that is to say, the height may bethat of a single product or the sum of different products placed oneafter the other within the same group of products.

In this case, too, the paddle dimension L1 must vary in length accordingto the product group G formed by the machine. At present, the productgroups G available on the market come in seven different lengths.

The products can be variously combined to form at least thirty-fivedifferent configurations which the straightening unit must be able tohandle.

The changeover procedure to be performed on this unit consists of thefollowing steps: stopping the machine; removing all the products of theold configuration; manually disconnecting all the paddle P guides S fromthe chains C; and positioning another set of paddles P for the newconfiguration, also performed manually by the operator.

As may be inferred from this summary description, the changeoverprocedure for a straightening unit is a time-consuming, laborious taskand, taking into account that changeovers in machines of this kind arequite frequent, that adds up to a considerable amount of down time,which in turn means a significant reduction in machine productivity as awhole.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of this invention is to overcome these disadvantages byproviding a machine for the production of roll products equipped with aproduct group straightening unit that is extremely versatile and allowschangeover to be performed quickly and without necessitating manualoperations on the unit itself.

According to the invention, this aim is achieved by a machine for theproduction of groups of roll products comprising the technicalcharacteristics described in one or more of the claims herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technical characteristics of the invention, with reference to theabove aims, are clearly described in the claims below and its advantagesare apparent from the detailed description which follows, with referenceto the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments ofthe invention provided merely by way of example without restricting thescope of the inventive concept, and in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic side views showing two different operatingconfigurations of a prior art station in a machine for the production ofroll products;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view from above of a part of themachine for producing product groups according to the invention;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are, respectively, a schematic side view and a schematictop plan view of the detail E from FIG. 3, that is to say, of a unit forstraightening the groups of products according to the invention, in afirst operating configuration;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are, respectively, a schematic side view and a schematictop plan view of the detail E from FIG. 3, that is to say, of a unit forstraightening the groups of products according to the invention, in asecond operating configuration;

FIG. 8 is a schematic front view, with some parts cut away, of thestraightening station of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 shows a scaled-up detail from FIG. 4 in a schematic side view;

FIG. 10 shows a scaled-up detail from FIG. 6 in a schematic side view;

FIG. 11 is a schematic side view, with some parts cut away in order tobetter illustrate others, showing an alternative constructional detailof the straightening station illustrated in the drawings listed above;

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the straightening station ofFIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the accompanying drawings, and in particular FIGS. 3to 7, the machine according to the invention is used to make groups 4 ofproducts, especially but without restricting the scope of the invention,groups of roll products for household or bathroom use.

Each of the groups 4 consists of a plurality of products 2, arranged ingroups defining a configuration (that varies in accordance withproduction requirements, as we shall see in more detail below), wrappedin a sheet of film and closed, for example by heat-sealing.

The forming of the individual groups 4 of products is not described orillustrated in this specification since it is accomplished by knownstations and units that do not strictly form part of this invention.

The part of the machine which this specification is concerned with andwhich is labeled 1 in its entirety, comprises at least the followingalong a feed line A:

-   -   a first unit 3 for conveying the product groups 4 one after the        other towards    -   a second unit 5 for picking up, turning and grouping a plurality        of product groups 4.

The first unit 3 may be constructed in different ways, oneconstructional form being illustrated purely by way of example in FIG.3, and enables the groups 4 to be transferred from the stations wherethe groups 4 are made to the second unit 5 and, hence, to the end ofline stations which are not illustrated or described here since they areof known type and do not fall within the scope of this invention.

The first unit 3 may consist of a pair of belts 3 a and 3 b positionedat an angle to each other to form a system for turning the productgroups 4 through 90°. The product groups 4 are moved (and, if necessary,two or more groups are placed side by side) by comb pusher means 3 c.

The second unit 5, consisting of a unit for “straightening” the productgroups 4, is located downstream of the first unit 3.

The second unit 5 (see FIGS. 3 to 7) comprises a motorized endless drivesystem 6 mounting a plurality of paddles 7 protruding radially from thepath line P6 of the drive system 6; each paddle 7 forms, with the nextone, a space S for receiving a product group 4 at a position where thepaddle 7 is co-planar with the first unit 3, or more specifically, withthe upper section 3 b (see FIG. 4) and is turned through an angle α ofat least ninety degrees in the direction, indicated by the arrow S6, inwhich the drive system 6 advances.

Once turned, the product groups 4 are positioned side by side on theupper section of the drive system 6, and are then expelled from therespective spaces S by comb pusher means 100 which move them towards theend of line units (not illustrated).

Still with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, the second unit 5 comprises:

-   -   a set number of paddles 7;    -   a division of the paddles 7 into two distinct groups 7 a and 7        b, each of the groups 7 a and 7 b being connected respectively        to a first and a second drive system 6 a and 6 b, in such a way        that the paddles 7 of the two groups are positioned alternately        along the endless path P6;    -   means 8 for adjusting at least one of the two groups of paddles        7,—in this case, the one labeled 7 a—relative to the other group        7 b, in such a way as to define two different relative operating        positions between the two groups 7 a, 7 b of paddles 7.

In the first position, the paddles 7 of the two groups 7 a, 7 b areequally spaced to form a working containment space S1 (see FIGS. 4 and5), and in the second position, the paddles 7 of the two groups 7 a, 7 bare positioned close together in pairs to form a second workingcontainment space S2 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) that is larger than the firstcontainment space S1 defined by the first position.

In other words, irrespective of the plurality of possible configurationsof the product 2 groups 4 (which we will see in more detail below),there are only two positions that can be adopted by the paddles 7—in aset number on the drive systems 6 a and 6 b—to define the transversaldimension of the spaces S.

More specifically, in the second operating position, only the group 7 bof paddles 7 defines respective spaces S for containing the groups 4 ofproducts 2 (see FIGS. 6 and 7 again).

Looking more closely at the details of the invention, the product groups4 may have any of a plurality of different configurations according to afirst (transversal) dimension LA and included at least between a first,single-layer configuration and a second, double-layer configuration ofwrapped products 2 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 7); each first and secondconfiguration being subdivided into two or more sub-configurationsdefined by a first, minimum sub-configuration LA1 in which each product2 has a first diameter D1, and a second, maximum sub-configuration LA2in which each product 2 has a second diameter D2 that is greater thanthe first diameter D1.

The two positions of the groups 7 a and 7 b of paddles 7 make itpossible to accommodate all the above mentioned configurations andsub-configurations.

More specifically, at the first operating position, each paddle 7 ofboth groups 7 a, 7 b forms a first working containment space S1, definedas the distance between two consecutive paddles 7, designed to permitthe passage and containment of the first configuration, including therespective sub-configurations between the first and the second, minimumand maximum sub-configuration LA1 and LA2 (again, see FIGS. 4 and 5).

At the second operating position, each paddle 7 of the group 7 b (fixed)forms a second working containment space S2, defined as the distancebetween the working containment paddle 7 and the next or precedingpaddle 7 placed side by side with the next or preceding workingcontainment paddle 7, designed to permit the passage and containment ofthe second configuration, including the respective sub-configurationsbetween the first and the second, minimum and maximum sub-configurationLA1 and LA2.

In short, the size of the spaces S1 and S2 delimited by the two possiblepositions of the groups 7 a and 7 b of paddles 7 must satisfy, for eachgrouping of single- and double-layer configurations, two essentialconditions: the spaces S1 and S2 must be able to accommodate the secondmaximum sub-configuration LA2 (maximum overall and diameter dimension ofthe product 2) and the first sub-configuration LA1 (minimum overall anddiameter dimension of the product 2) must not be able to turn round onitself (i.e. be positioned sideways or aslant) within the space S1 or S2as the paddles 7 move around and during subsequent expulsion by thepusher means 100.

Looking in more detail at the operating structure, the first and seconddrive systems 6 a and 6 b each comprise (see FIG. 8):

-   -   two pairs 9 a, 9 b of parallel endless drive chains trained        around two respective pairs 10 a, 10 b of toothed wheels        kinematically connected to each other and to a single motor 11;        the pairs 9 a, 9 b of chains mounting the first and second        groups 7 a and 7 b of paddles 7, respectively;    -   the above mentioned adjustment means 8 operating between the two        pairs 9 a, 9 b of chains and the single motor 11.

Purely by way of example, without limiting the scope of the invention,the adjustment means 8 may comprise a mechanical clutch 12 positionedand acting on the drive system 6 a and designed to change between twoseparate states, in the first of which the clutch 12 simultaneouslytransmits drive to both the drive systems 6 a and 6 b, causing thegroups 7 a, 7 b of paddles 7 to move normally along the endless path P6,and in the second of which the clutch 12 does not transmit drive to oneof the drive systems, namely, the one labeled 6 b, so as to keep therespective group 7 b of paddles 7 stationary while the group 7 a ofpaddles 7 connected to the other drive system 6 a moves in such a way asto vary its relative distance from the other group 7 b of paddles 7between the two above mentioned relative operating positions (see arrowsF7 a).

The mechanical clutch 12 may be operated manually or automatically by amachine 1 control unit 13, represented schematically as a block in thedrawings.

The cascade connection with the toothed wheels of the two drive systems6 a and 6 b is not described in detail since it is of known type and isillustrated only in FIG. 8.

Looking further at the constructional details (with reference also toFIGS. 8 to 10), each paddle 7 of the first and second groups 7 a and 7 bmay consist of a flat member having the shape of an upturned U where thetwo legs 14 and 15 are connected to the respective drive system 6 a and6 b, and where the connecting section 16 of the U defines at least apart of the space for picking up and containing the product groups 4 anda central opening 16 g.

The U shape of the paddles 7 described in this specification is apreferred non-limiting embodiment of them and, as shown in FIG. 12, thepaddles 7 might not have the leg 14 and might be connected by the otherleg only to a single drive system 6 a or 6 b, thus forming a rotated Lshape: this would create a unit 5 with a lighter structure (without oneof the wheel and chain drive systems) while maintaining the same levelof operating efficiency.

The characteristic constructional form of each paddle 7 illustrated,combined with the fact that there is a set number of paddles 7, makes itpossible to define a further adjustment on the second unit 5.

This second adjustment is necessary because, besides the above mentionedconfigurations, the groups 4 of products 2 may have a plurality ofadditional configurations defined by a second dimension H (longitudinaldimension of the group 4) defined by the height or the sum of superposedheights of the wrapped roll products 2, and included at least between athird, minimum sub-configuration LA3 in which each product 2 has a firstheight H1 and a fourth, maximum sub-configuration LA4 in which eachproduct 2 has a second height H2 that is greater than the first heightH1 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

The second unit 5 is also equipped with means 17 for adjusting thesupporting depth H7 in the working pickup space of the paddles 7according to the type of configuration and acting at least along anarc-shaped section of the paddle 7 drive path P6 between the abovementioned product group 4 pickup area, where each paddle 7 lies in thesame plane as the first unit 3, and the position of the paddle 7 when ithas been turned through the above mentioned right angle α (again seeFIGS. 4 to 7 and FIGS. 9 and 10).

More specifically (again see FIGS. 9 and 10), the means 17 for adjustingthe supporting depth H7 may comprise, in a first embodiment:

-   -   an arc-shaped surface 18 positioned and operating in the        arc-shaped section of the path P6 at the opening 16 g defined by        the U shape of each passing paddle 7;    -   a straight, static surface 19 forming the base of each        containment space S and connected to the arc-shaped surface 18;    -   first actuating means 20 for moving the arc-shaped surface 18        along the openings 16 g of the paddles 7 between two or more        operating positions (see arrows F20), according to        configurations, included between a first, advanced minimum depth        operating position, where the arc-shaped surface 18 is        substantially in contact with the wall 16 of the passing paddles        7, and a second, retracted, maximum depth position where the        arc-shaped surface 18 is away from the passing walls 16, so as        to vary the supporting depth H7 of the passing paddles 7        according to the above mentioned third and fourth        sub-configurations LA3 and LA4.

Obviously, in this situation, since the straight surface 19 ispositioned at a fixed distance, it must be positioned at a distance H3from the paddle 7 wall 16 that is smaller than the height H1 of thethird, minimum sub-configuration LA3 so as to always allow contact ofthe wall 16 with any configuration after turning and then lowering theproduct group 4 along the wall 16 of the paddle 7 until contact with thesurface 19.

In an alternative embodiment (illustrated schematically in FIG. 11), themeans 17 for adjusting the supporting depth H7 of each paddle 7 may bepositioned and active both along the arc-shaped section and along astraight operating section of the path P6, that is to say, along theactive sections, so that the supporting depth H7 of each paddle 7remains constant between the area where the product groups 4 arereceived and the area where the product groups 4 are expelled.

In this embodiment, the means 17 for adjusting the supporting depth H7may comprise:

-   -   the first arc-shaped surface 18 positioned and operating in the        arc-shaped section of the path P6 at the opening 16 g defined by        the U shape of each passing paddle 7;    -   a second, straight, mobile surface 19 forming the base of each        containment space S and connected to the arc-shaped surface 18;    -   actuating means 20 for moving both the arc-shaped surface 18 and        the second surface 19 along the passing openings 16 g between        two or more operating positions, according to the        configurations, included between the first, advanced minimum        depth operating position and the second, retracted, maximum        depth position.

In this alternative embodiment, the actuating means 20 may be dividedinto:

-   -   first actuating means 20 a acting on the first, arc-shaped        surface 18 in such a way as to move it between the operating        positions (see arrows F20 a); and    -   second actuating means 20 b acting on the second, straight        surface 19 in such a way as to move it in height between the        operating positions in synchrony with the first actuating means        20 a, while keeping the second surface 19 perpendicular to the        passing paddles 7 at all times (see arrows F20 b).

To keep the transition between the two surfaces 18 and 19 smooth, thesurfaces 18 and 19 themselves are connected to each other by a third,flexible transition surface 21, with tubular cross section, which formsa telescoping sliding connection between the respective ends of the twosurfaces 18 and 19, joined to the third surface 21 itself and permittingthe double adjustment of the first and second surfaces 18 and 19 bycausing the two surfaces 18 and 19 to slide relative to the third,flexible tubular surface 21 (see arrows F21).

Advantageously, the actuating means 20, 20 a, 20 b can be activated bythe machine 1 control unit 13 so that all the adjustments describedabove are coordinated.

To enable all the above mentioned second configurations of the productgroups 4 included between the third and fourth sub-configurations LA3and LA4 to be picked up correctly:

-   -   the depth H16 of the wall 16 must be at least equal to the        height of the third, minimum sub-configuration LA3; and    -   the wall 16 and the first arc-shaped surface 18 in the second,        retracted maximum depth position must have a total supporting        depth H7 at least equal to the fourth, maximum sub-configuration        LA4, that is to say, the sum of H16 (fixed) and H18 (variable,        starting from the lower end of the wall 16) must be equal to the        fourth, maximum sub-configuration LA4.

The spacing between the configuration depth H7 adjustment surface 18 andthe paddles 7 means that the surface 18 also acts as a means forrelieving the stress created by the pressure on the packages alreadypositioned on the paddles 7 (applied by the product groups 4 positionedon the first feed unit 3).

This is possible because the control unit 13 can control the actuatingmeans 20, 20 a and 20 b in such a way as to enable a forward movement ofthe first, arc-shaped surface 18, past the predetermined height H,depending on the configuration, and then a guided return movement of thesurface 18 itself with the advancing product groups 4 so as to producesaid relief action during the feeding of the product groups 4themselves.

This enables the paddles 7 to rotate the product groups 4 more easilysince the paddle 7 does not have a base attached under it acting as abrake under the axial thrust of the product groups 4.

In a machine with this structure, therefore, the straightening unit canbe adjusted in two simple steps and without having to operate directlyon the paddles or to change the paddles every time changeover isrequired.

The straightening unit, therefore, comprises a set number of paddlesthat can be adjusted, even automatically, in just two steps:

-   -   the first step regards the transversal dimension (single or        double layer, independently of the diameter of the products)        between two paddle positions (close together or spaced apart);    -   the other step regards the height of the products, adjusted        using only the single arc-shaped section or the arc-shaped        section and the mobile straight section in order to vary the        supporting height of the product groups on the paddles, again        quickly and easily and without having to substitute the paddles        on the unit.

The straightening unit therefore fully achieves the aforementioned aimsthanks to a simple, optimized structure that enables changeovers to beperformed quickly and accurately without altering the basic architectureof the unit but optimizing and simplifying the cross adjustment systemon the many possible product group configurations.

This significantly reduces unit down time due to changeovers, withobvious benefits in terms of machine productivity as a whole.

The invention described has evident industrial applications and can bemodified an adapted in many ways without thereby departing from thescope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all the details of theinvention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

1. A machine for the production of groups of roll products packaged andwrapped in a sheet of wrapping film and each comprising a plurality ofproducts (2) grouped together in a dimensionally variable configuration,and being wrapped and sealed in sheet of wrapping film; the machine (1)being of the type comprising, along a feed line (A), a first unit (3)for conveying the product groups (4) one after the other towards asecond unit (5) for turning and grouping a plurality of product groups(4) one after the other; the second unit (5) comprising at least anendless drive system (6) mounting a plurality of paddles (7) protrudingradially from the path line (P6) of the drive system (6); each paddle(7) forming, with the next one, a space (S) for receiving a productgroup (4) at a position where the paddle (7) is co-planar with the firstunit (3) and being turned through at least a right angle (a) in the feeddirection (S6) of the drive system (6); wherein the second unit (5)comprises: a set number of paddles (7); a division of the paddles (7)into two distinct groups (7 a, 7 b), each of the groups (7 a, 7 b) beingconnected respectively to a first drive system (6 a) and to a seconddrive system (6 b), in such a way that the paddles (7) are positionedalternately along the endless path (P6); means (8) for adjusting one ofthe groups (7 a) of paddles (7) relative to the other group (7 b), insuch a way as to define two different relative operating positionsbetween the two groups (7 a, 7 b) of paddles (7), namely, a firstposition in which the paddles (7) of the two groups (7 a, 7 b) areequally spaced to form a working containment space (S1) and a secondposition in which the paddles (7) of the two groups (7 a, 7 b) arepositioned close together in pairs to form a second working containmentspace (S2) that is larger than the first containment space (S1) definedby the first position.
 2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein, inthe second operating position, only one group (7 b) of paddles (7) formsa respective space (S) for containing the product groups (4).
 3. Themachine according to claim 1, where the product groups (4) have aplurality of different configurations according to a first dimension(LA) and included at least between a first, single-layer configurationand a second, double-layer configuration of wrapped products (2); eachfirst and second configuration being subdivided into two or moresub-configurations included between a first, minimum sub-configuration(LA1) in which each product (2) has a first diameter (D1), and a second,maximum sub-configuration (LA2) in which each product (2) has a seconddiameter (D2) that is greater than the first diameter (D1), wherein, atthe first operating position, each paddle (7) of both groups (7 a, 7 b)forms a first working containment space (S1), defined as the distancebetween two consecutive paddles (7), designed to permit the passage andcontainment of the first configuration, including the respectivesub-configurations between the first minimum sub-configuration (LA1) andthe second, maximum sub-configuration (LA2).
 4. The machine according toclaim 1, where the product groups (4) have a plurality of differentconfigurations according to a first dimension (LA) and included at leastbetween a first, single-layer configuration and a second, double-layerconfiguration of wrapped products (2); each first and secondconfiguration being subdivided into two or more sub-configurationsincluded between a first, minimum sub-configuration (LA1) in which eachproduct (2) has a first diameter (D1), and a second, maximumsub-configuration (LA2) in which each product (2) has a second diameter(D2) that is greater than the first diameter (D1), wherein, at thesecond operating position, each paddle (7) of one group (7 b) forms asecond working containment space (S2), defined as the distance betweenthe working containment paddle (7) and the next or preceding paddle (7)placed side by side with the next or preceding working containmentpaddle (7), designed to permit the passage and containment of the secondconfiguration, including the respective sub-configurations between thefirst minimum sub-configuration (LA1) and the second, maximumsub-configuration (LA2).
 5. The machine according to claim 1, whereinthe first drive system (6 a) and the second drive system (6 b) eachcomprise at least: one pair (9 a, 9 b) of endless drive chains trainedaround a respective pair (10 a, 10 b) of toothed wheels kinematicallyconnected to each other and to a single motor (11); the chains (9 a, 9b) mounting the first group (7 a) and the second group (7 b) of paddles(7), respectively; the adjustment means (8) acting between the pair ofchains (9 a, 9 b) and the single motor (11).
 6. The machine according toclaim 1, wherein the first drive system (6 a) and the second drivesystem (6 b) each comprise: two pairs (9 a, 9 b) of endless drive chainstrained around two respective pairs (10 a, 10 b) of toothed wheelskinematically connected to each other and to a single motor (11); thepairs (9 a, 9 b) of chains mounting the first group (7 a) and the secondgroup (7 b) of paddles (7), respectively; the adjustment means (8)acting between the two pairs of chains (9 a, 9 b) and the single motor(11).
 7. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment means(8) comprise a mechanical clutch (12) positioned and acting on the drivesystem (6 a) and designed to change between two separate states, in thefirst of which the clutch (12) simultaneously transmits drive to boththe drive systems (6 a, 6 b), causing the groups (7 a, 7 b) of paddles(7) to move normally along the endless path (P6), and in the second ofwhich the clutch (12) does not transmit drive to the drive system (6 b),so as to keep the respective group (7 b) of paddles (7) stationary whilethe group (7 a) of paddles (7) connected to the other drive system (6 a)moves in such a way as to vary its relative distance from the group (7b) of paddles (7) between the two relative operating positions.
 8. Themachine according to claim 7, wherein the mechanical clutch (12) can beoperated manually.
 9. The machine according to claim 7, wherein themechanical clutch (12) can be operated automatically from a panel (13)for controlling the machine (1).
 10. The machine according to claim 5,wherein each paddle (7) of the first group (7 a) and of the second group(7 b) comprises a rotated L-shaped member where the vertical leg (15) isconnected to the respective drive system (6 a, 6 b) and where thehorizontal leg (16) of the L forms at least a part of the space forpicking up and containing the product groups (4).
 11. The machineaccording to claim 6, wherein each paddle (7) of the first group (7 a)and of the second group (7 b) comprises an upturned U-shaped memberwhere the two legs (14, 15) are connected to the respective drivesystems (6 a, 6 b) and where the connecting section (16) of the U formsat least a part of the space for picking up and containing the productgroups (4).
 12. The machine according to claim 1, where the groups (4)of products (2) have a plurality of configurations defined by a seconddimension (H) defined by the height or the sum of superposed heights ofthe wrapped roll products (2), and included at least between a third,minimum sub-configuration (LA3) in which each product has a first height(H1), and a fourth, maximum sub-configuration (LA4) in which eachproduct (2) has a second height (H2) that is greater than the firstheight (H1), wherein each paddle (7) of the first group (7 a) and of thesecond group (7 b) comprises an upturned U-shaped member where the twolegs (14, 15) are connected to the first drive system (6 a) and seconddrive system (6 b), respectively, and where the connecting section ofthe U forms at least one wall (16) for picking up and containing theproduct groups (4); means (17) being provided for adjusting thesupporting depth (H7) of the paddles (7) according to the type ofconfiguration and acting at least along an arc-shaped section of thepaddle (7) drive path (P6) between the product group (4) pickup area,where each paddle (7) lies in the same plane as the first unit (3), andthe position of the paddle (7) when it has been turned through the rightangle (a).
 13. The machine according to claim 12, wherein the means (17)for adjusting the depth of each paddle (7) are positioned on thearc-shaped section and along a straight operating section of the path(P6), that is to say, along the active sections, so that the supportingdepth (H7) of each paddle (7) remains constant between the area wherethe product groups (4) are received and the area where the productgroups (4) are expelled.
 14. The machine according to claim 13, whereinthe means (17) for adjusting the supporting depth (H7) of each paddle(7) comprise: an arc-shaped surface (18) positioned and operating atleast in the arc-shaped section of the path (P6) at the opening (16 g)defined by the U shape of each passing paddle (7); a straight, staticsurface (19) forming the base of each containment space (S) andconnected to the arc-shaped surface (18); first actuating means (20) formoving the arc-shaped surface (18) along the openings (16 g) between twoor more operating positions, according to the configurations, includedbetween a first, advanced minimum depth operating position, where thearc-shaped surface (18) is substantially in contact with the wall (16)of the passing paddles (7), and a second, retracted, maximum depthposition where the arc-shaped surface (18) is away from the passingwalls (16), so as to vary the supporting depth (H7) of the passingpaddles (7) according to the configurations.
 15. The machine accordingto claim 14, wherein the straight static surface (19) is positioned at adistance (H3) from the paddle (7) wall (16) that is smaller than theheight (H1) of the third, minimum sub-configuration (LA3).
 16. Themachine according to claim 13, wherein the means (17) for adjusting thesupporting depth (H7) of the passing paddles (7) comprise: a firstarc-shaped surface (18) positioned and operating in the arc-shapedsection of the path (P6) at the opening (16 g) defined by the U shape ofeach passing paddle (7); a second, straight, upper mobile surface (19)forming the base of each containment space (S) and connected to thearc-shaped surface (18); first actuating means (20) for moving thearc-shaped surface (18) and the second surface (19) along the openings(16 g) between two or more operating positions, according to theconfigurations, included between a first, advanced minimum depthoperating position, where the first surface (18) and the second surface(19) are substantially in contact with the wall (16) of the passingpaddles (7), and a second, retracted, maximum depth position where thefirst surface (18) and the second surface (19) are away from the walls(16), so as to vary the supporting depth (H7) of the passing paddles (7)according to the configurations.
 17. The machine according to claim 16,wherein the actuating means (20) are divided into: first actuating means(20 a) acting on the first, arc-shaped surface (18) in such a way as tomove it between the operating positions; and second actuating means (20b) acting on the second, straight surface (19) in such a way as to moveit in height between the operating positions in synchrony with the firstactuating means (20 a) to keep the second surface (19) perpendicular tothe passing paddles (7) at all times.
 18. The machine according to claim17, wherein the first arc-shaped surface (18) and the second straightsurface (19) are connected to each other by a third, flexible transitionsurface (21), with tubular cross section, which forms a telescopingsliding connection between the respective ends of the first surface (18)and of the second surface (19), joined to the third surface (21) itselfand permitting the double adjustment of the first surface (18) andsecond surface (19) by causing the two surfaces (18, 19) to sliderelative to the third, flexible tubular surface (21).
 19. The machineaccording to claim 14, wherein the actuating means (20, 20 a, 20 b) canbe activated by a unit (13) for controlling the machine (1).
 20. Themachine according to claim 14, wherein the depth (H16) of the wall (16)is at least equal to the height of the third, minimum sub-configuration(LA3).
 21. The machine according to claim 14, wherein the wall (16) andthe first arc-shaped surface (18) in the second, retracted maximum depthposition have a total supporting depth (H7) at least equal to thefourth, maximum sub-configuration (LA4).
 22. The machine according toclaim 14, wherein the control unit (13) controls the actuating means(20, 20 a, 20 b) in such a way as to enable a forward movement of thefirst, arc-shaped surface (18), past the predetermined height (H),depending on the configuration, and a guided return movement of thesurface (18) itself with the product groups (4) so that, as the productgroups (4) advance, the stress created by the pressure on the productgroups (4) being positioned on the paddle (7) applied by the productgroups (4) positioned on the first feed unit (3) is relieved.